Now in their eleventh year, the Sustainable & ESG Investment Awards offer an opportunity to showcase expertise and commitment to investment factors that take into account environmental, social and ethical criteria as well as good corporate behaviour.

Despite the underperformance of fixed income we discuss in this Spotlight guide why the value proposition of the asset class hasn't gone away. In particular we review how the RLAM management team use existing, proven funds to actively manage consistent monthly income streams and adapt the portfolio to changing interest rate and credit market factors.

Within this guide, you will find some surprising survey results from FE, a selection of adviser opinions and some Architas views too. We hope this guide will provide you with some food for thought on this burning issue.

Scottish Widows is one of just five life, pensions and investment companies to have been successful in gaining this new quality mark, however, completing the task is far more complex and costly than initially anticipated as one product provider has admitted meeting all the requirements will cost in the region of £1m.

The PPIAB is an independent body which awarded accreditation following an 'impartial, consistent and very thorough' assessment. Accreditation means that Scottish Widows has met, and is committed to continue meeting, new high standards for its customers.

Ian Thompson, Managing Director (Operations) at Scottish Widows says:

"Scottish Widows is delighted to be one of the first companies to receive accreditation. This means policyholders can be assured that Scottish Widows will continue to strive to deliver the very highest standards, in keeping with its status as a company accredited under the Raising Standards quality mark scheme.

"Plainly, accreditation is only the first step in an evolving process. We need to ensure the way in which customers are served is in keeping with both the letter and the spirit of Raising Standards.

"Achieving accreditation represents an investment in higher standards - standards which should make it easier for consumers to consider more proactively how to meet their medium and long-term savings needs."

Sir Michael Bett, Chairman of PPIAB, adds:"Today is the culmination of an exhaustive programme of preparation by the brands seeking accreditation, and by the PPIAB assessment team. It has involved a huge investment of time, skill and money and demonstrates a remarkable commitment to meeting the needs of the consumer."Scottish Widows had to redesign all of its documents for approval under the Raising Standards scheme on October 15. Scottish Widows will be introducing new forms and literature as soon as possible, with the process to be completed by the end of November 2001.